Cavalli turns it up with fiery looks

Roberto Cavalli turned up the temperature on Milan Fashion Week with a ring of fire in the center of his tented runway, while fashion newcomers au jour le jour are creating a buzz with their cute puppy obsession.

Bottega Veneta, Jil Sander and Aquilano Rimondi were among the other highlights as Milan Fashion Week continued the fourth day of womenswear previews for next fall and winter.

RIPPLE EFFECT

Bottega Veneta’s looks for next winter burst and ripple with kinetic energy.

Creative director Tomas Maier infuses the looks with motion both through the tailoring, including micro folds and loose pleats, as well as with geometric patterns.

Movement is created in tiny pleats in dusty pastels that ripple soothingly along pretty cocktail or party dresses, while geometric patterns in black and white give bold definition to a straight skirt worn with a purple sweater. One dress appears to burst outward from the hip, creating concentric folds that reach out and hug the figure. It comes in a quilted version, as well as tulle and crepe.

The looks are finished in black suede booties that are cut into a spiky silhouette suggestive of flames and which mimic the graphic patterns in some of the apparel. Bottega Veneta’s bag for next season has a top handle, with patchworks of color and combinations of materials.

HOT LOOKS

Roberto Cavalli daringly staged his preview around a ring of fire, which provided not only a dramatic backdrop for his hot looks but spread heat through the fashion crowd.

The elegant and often elaborate collection incorporates, according to Cavalli, the femininity of the 1920s and the geometry of the 1930s. Several looks captured best the heat of the venue, including one long gown with the image of flames lapping up the hemline, worn with a red and black fur stole.

FRONT ROW TESTIMONIALS

British singer Ellie Goulding and actress Samantha Banks chatted together in the Cavalli front row, just days after Cavalli disavowed celebrity testimonials in fashion ahead of his Just Cavalli show.

“He’s just been so amazing to me. He’s just kind of adopted me the past few of months,” Goulding said of Cavalli. “I’m extremely happy to be here.

COCOONING

Tweed over organza, an oversized masculine coat over with a ruffled bustle peeking out, these are the contrasts at the heart of the new collection by Aquilano Rimondi.

The new collection by designers Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi is rich with detail, fur trim, embroidery, contrast piping and steel rose appliques. Yet the overall effect is a wardrobe for real life, simultaneously encompassing the elegant-casual contrast.

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